Helen M. Lowman

Helen Mary (Kellogg) Lowman, of Clear Lake, passed on peacefully Saturday, Jan. 28, at Mercy Medical Center, Mason City, Iowa.

As Helen wished, her family will celebrate her life with a private ceremony this spring.

Helen was born Dec. 13, 1921, to Louis and Louise Kellogg.

She was raised in Anamosa, Iowa, and attended Coe College, where she studied to become a teacher and met the man who would become her husband, Ben C. Lowman. In 1943, Ben confidently made an offer Helen couldn’t refuse and the two were married on March 27 of that year. Together, they had seven children, Kim, Terry, Locke, Roy, Lin, Kelly, and Jan.

Helen attended First Congregational Church, in Clear Lake, for many years and was a member of the P.E.O. (“People Eat Onions”) Sisterhood. Helen was also an avid reader, a passion she shared with her children. Above all, Helen loved her family. She was always up for a chat on the phone, a bite to eat, or a game of “Flea.” Visits were met with warmth and eagerness. She welcomed all with open arms, happy to share her stories and memories.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her three brothers, and Ben, her husband of 59 years. She is survived by her seven children and grandchildren too numerous to list - though she made each of them feel as if they were her “favorite.”

Helen led her family with kindness, generosity, and quiet strength. No matter where their paths led them, she was always waiting to encourage and support her loved ones in whatever way she could. She was everything they needed all of the time, and her impact will be everlasting.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Helen’s family requests you spend some extra quality time with the people you love.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.